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22 replies

I wish I knew then...

phoch00phoch00OGR Forum Member

I've been into the hobby for about a year or so and there's a few things I wish I new then that I know now. 

1. The starter set with the LionChief engine, O-36 curves and the barrel plug power supply shouldn't be the basis of a layout. I didn't realize that there were tons of engines, cars, etc. that can't run on O-36. When I started planning my larger room-sized layout I didn't know this and it has limited me somewhat.

2. Just buy a good sized transformer and start wiring from the start. I tried to expand my layout with additional Fastrak power adapters. They just don't have the amps to run any sort of good sized layout.

3. There are so many helpful YouTube videos from manufacturers, other folks in the hobby, etc. and maybe watch them before trying to come up with a better mouse trap. I had done a lot of planning and layout work without using the references at my disposal. It would have been helpful to learn more before jumping in.

My layout is an ongoing, evolving process and I can correct or modify things to suit my future needs but I sure wish I knew some of this beforehand. 

What do you wish you knew then that you know now? 

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phoch00phoch00OGR Forum Member
RickM46 posted:

Welcome to the club; I did the same 4 years ago when I started; then, shortly after that, I found out about Lionel Command Control, ZWL transformers, Legacy engines, O72 track, Command switch track, and the multitude of online hobby shops  BUT, also, Lionel support has been excellent; this forum has gents that will help you with unlimited advice!

Yes! This forum has been great with helping out and the kindness of others has been great. 

phoch00phoch00OGR Forum Member
Mixed Freight posted:

But then again - did you REALLY want to spend umpteen-hundreds of dollars on all top-of-the-line equipment, then figure out in a mere matter of a few months that model railroading wasn't for you?

For sure. I wouldn't have even started on this journey if the price of entry was hundred or thousands of dollars. Conversely, there should be a warning page on the owners manual for the LionChief starter set that says "You will buy more stuff. You will want to grow into this and you probably should go big from the start!"

MikeHMikeHOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
phoch00 posted:

 

What do you wish you knew then that you know now? 

I wish I bought Lionel engines.  Like you, this is my first year involved in this hobby.  My first three engines were all MTH.  Then I bought the scale LC+ SD60M with Bluetooth control.  Now I see the future and it is Bluetooth!  I wish I waited before buying those MTH engines.

palallinpalallinOGR Forum Member

Two things I would have done differently.

 

1:  When I was young, I would have snapped up every clearance piece of AHM O scale I could have gotten my hands on and stored them away for the day (now) that I have begun collecting that very unconventional niche.

2:  When I found that the TMCC-equipped 4-6-0 I bought was unhappy with conventional running, I should have stripped the guts out of it and put in an electronic reverse unit rather than get into CC.  that is my new plan, anyway, and I could have save a LOT of $$$$ wasted on TMCC and all its derivatives had I been smarter then.

Last edited by palallin
T Topo87OGR Forum Member
palallin posted:
Topo87 posted:

I started by purchasing quite a few post war engines on craigslist. In retrospect I wouldn't have purchased any of them as they are now paperweights. 

Why?  Repairs should be very straightforward.

After doing more research with my bank account I realized I like the scale stuff more and don't enjoy running trains conventionally. I realize I can convert them but its a lot of work/money for what they are compared to the features of the newer stuff. 

palallinpalallinOGR Forum Member
Topo87 posted:

After doing more research with my bank account I realized I like the scale stuff more and don't enjoy running trains conventionally. I realize I can convert them but its a lot of work/money for what they are compared to the features of the newer stuff. 

By all means, you should go with what you like best.  I second JOHNSTRAINS suggestion:  sell them to someone who will appreciate them, and get yourself more cash for what you appreciate. 

But, please:  they aren't paperweights ;-)

T Topo87OGR Forum Member
palallin posted:
Topo87 posted:

After doing more research with my bank account I realized I like the scale stuff more and don't enjoy running trains conventionally. I realize I can convert them but its a lot of work/money for what they are compared to the features of the newer stuff. 

By all means, you should go with what you like best.  I second JOHNSTRAINS suggestion:  sell them to someone who will appreciate them, and get yourself more cash for what you appreciate. 

But, please:  they aren't paperweights ;-)

Correction, heavy things that I like to look at but wish had more of a function in my environment

S SURFLINEROGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
phoch00 posted:
Mixed Freight posted:

But then again - did you REALLY want to spend umpteen-hundreds of dollars on all top-of-the-line equipment, then figure out in a mere matter of a few months that model railroading wasn't for you?

For sure. I wouldn't have even started on this journey if the price of entry was hundred or thousands of dollars. Conversely, there should be a warning page on the owners manual for the LionChief starter set that says "You will buy more stuff. You will want to grow into this and you probably should go big from the start!"

Glad to have you as part of this scene, BUT "Bottom Line" is this can be more of an addiction than a hobby.  So, enjoy your addiction - BESIDES there is NO CURE available.

phoch00phoch00OGR Forum Member
BlueComet400 posted:

I wish I had kept an open mind about command control when I started designing my layout. I've been around toy trains all my life and vowed to never own a train with anything more sophisticated than an E-unit. Then, earlier this year, I decided to give DCS a try and I love it. 

John 

I also wish I'd gone command control from the start of my layout. Especially related to the wiring of switches. It would have been much easier had I planned for that as opposed to going back and wiring everything correctly after the layout was built. 

juniata guyjuniata guyOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I returned to the hobby in 1989 and, if there was a mistake to be made, I’m pretty darn sure I made it.  Back then we had no Forum, no internet and both CTT and OGR were about the only sources of information besides hanging out at train stores and meets and talking to the “old heads” in the hobby.

To the OP’s one comment on buying a good transformer up front; I specifically recollect an article in an early CTT where the writer made just that point.  And that was one of the few things I saw in time to make a difference; purchasing a refurbished ZW from Charles Ro.  😉

Curt

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